This is a blog about my 25th birthday. One of the best days I ever had, if not THE best. It’s not specifically about ministry, saving souls, what God is teaching me, or what you’ve sent me here to do, BUT it probably involves some of all of those things.
Usually enjoying a grilled cheese sandwich, a beverage, and a small group of close friends is what my birthday celebration consists of. I rolled my eyes when I heard month two of the race, my birthday month, was going to be all squad month. Fantastic. More people to sing to me, to put me on the spot, and to feed me cheap, grocery store, flavorless cake.
In the days leading up to my birthday, I made sure to let my squad know NOT to sing to me. I was asked what I wanted; what could they do for me, get me, treat me to, etc. I said I wanted a grilled cheese sandwich, a beer, and someone to rub my back until I fell asleep. That’s it. I didn’t want anything big, no huge celebration, piñata, dance party, nothing extravagant. Besides, I have only known these people for 2 months, I’d probably be happier skyping friends and family at home. Little did I know……..
A few of my squad mates stayed up with me the night before my birthday, counting down the hours until midnight. The next day was our day off so sleep was not top priority. I was thoroughly entertained by dancing, impersonations, and hilarious conversation. We ran the last minutes of the clock out with guitar playing and singing of some overly emotional songs. I haven’t laughed so hard in years; I am sure of it. At midnight we made stove top popcorn and swapped awkward date stories until we were all beyond exhausted.
When I woke up the morning of my 25th birthday (next to a volcano in Nicaragua (what is my life?!)) I found a card hanging above my head. Just a Hogwarts acceptance letter… no big deal. I could NOT contain my excitement. I got up quickly to find out who the brilliant human was who decided to know me better than I know myself. The letter wasn’t all this person had set up.
There were notes, signs, pipe cleaner Harry Potter glasses, wands made out of sticks, and more. Not just for me either. Every single person on my squad had a wand and glasses at their place setting in the kitchen and the tables were marked with signs for each house. Even construction paper candles hung from the gates. I was ridiculously giddy. My entire squad helped to piece together this amazing Harry Potter world birthday surprise and the love that was pouring out of them was overwhelming.
As if the décor wasn’t enough, after breakfast we played Harry Potter trivia. Everyone participated with a smile on their face, laughing even if they had no idea what Harry Potter was all about (blows my mind those people still exist…).
After trivia, I checked my email and discovered I was fully funded. The last $2000 that I needed to support my trip was graciously given BY YOU to me as an amazing birthday present. Shock and awe. Tears of joy ran down my face as I read donation emails and birthday wishes from TONS of donors. Thank you. Those words aren’t enough- but they’ll have to do until I find the right ones.
I am still in shock from just how amazing this entire day was…
We spent the rest of the day in Leon, Nicaragua. I shared amazing food, drinks, and conversation with squad mates and strangers. We came back just in time for dinner, then enjoyed a squad led, squad performed talent show type thing. I watched as my amazing friends shared stories, videos, and slideshows of things they were most proud of. I got to share a huge piece of my heart by playing a recording of my brother singing a ridiculously brilliant song. My team leader presented a slideshow of Harry Potter jokes and MEMEs while staying in character (Luna Lovegood). I laughed and laughed, and laughed. Shortly after the talent show I ate the most amazing grilled cheese sandwich- prepared with SO much love from a squad mate. At the end of this wonderful day, with one squad mate rubbing my back while another read me Harry Potter, my last thought before I fell asleep was I guess I’ll keep them.
I could pour SO much more detail into this blog about the ways I was shown love on this day. The time, energy, and efforts of EVERYONE on my squad was THROWN my direction. I didn’t ask for it, I probably didn’t deserve any of it, but they still bent over backwards to make sure I knew I was seen, known, and loved. If you would have asked me the day before if I wanted a Harry Potter themed birthday extravaganza, I would have surely said no. Who knew that enjoying life and the people around you was so easy and wonderful.
I guess I probably love these people more than I thought.
